For the first time since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him seven years ago, Deshea Townsend slept alone Sunday night at St. Vincent College. His long-time training camp roommate was a no-show.

"I just talked to Hines today," said Townsend, a cornerback who's one of Ward's closest and most-trusted friends. "He was razzing me. He told me I had to go to K-Mart and pick up some things for our room."

While Townsend sounded as if Ward's holdout won't last long, Steelers management can only wonder.

Townsend believes Ward will eventually report. Townsend knows what a competitor Ward is. Townsend knows how much Ward loves playing football.

Plus, Townsend figures Ward owes him.

"He has to pay me back for the things I bought for our room at K-Mart," Townsend said.